Highlights: Champagne Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2013
This is the latest release of Moët et Chandon’s Grand Vintage, and it comes from an atypically cool year, where harvest stretched through into October. This is unheard of in recent years, and of late we’ve seen more harvests begin in August. The Chardonnay came in healthy, but there were some rot issues with Pinot Noir. The final blend was 41% Chardonnay, 38% Pinot Noir and 21% Pinot Meunier, and the dosage was 5 g/l, with disgorgement in September 2019. The result is a slightly paradoxical wine, with precise bright citrus framing, but also some warmth. It works really well: I think it’s a really good wine, and has five years of cellaring potential, and perhaps longer depending on how you like your Champagne.
Champagne Moët et Chandon Grand Vintage 2013 France
This is really appealing with some warm bready, toasty notes and then bracing crystalline citrus fruits. It’s quite pure and I like the combination of precision with some toasty warmth and richness. There’s a touch of sour cherry and almond on the finish, and there’s a nice acid line. Very stylish and focused, with a tapering finish that brings out the freshness and salty detail. 93/100
